The following words and phrases when used in this article shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

“Agency.” The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency.

“Approved educator preparation program.” A sequence of courses and experiences offered by an institution of higher education that is reviewed and approved by the department.

“Cooperating teacher.” An individual who satisfies all of the following:

“Department.” The Department of Education of the Commonwealth.

“Institution of higher education.” A college or university that offers a program approved by the department to prepare professional personnel for employment in a school entity in accordance with 22 Pa. Code Ch. 49² (relating to certification of professional personnel).

“Nonpublic school.” As defined in section 923.3-A(b).³

“Program.” The Educator Pipeline Support Grant Program established under section 1203-B.⁴

“School entity.” A school district, intermediate unit, area career and technical school, charter school, regional charter school or cyber charter school operating within this Commonwealth.

“Student teacher.” An individual participating in a classroom teaching experience who, as part of an approved educator preparation program for the initial or advanced preparation of professional educators, performs classroom teaching or assists in a school entity's or nonpublic school's education program under the supervision of a cooperating teacher.